Chris Jack likely to come in for Brad Thorn

The Crusaders are leading New Zealand's charge in the Rebel Sport Super 14, and it seems that the seven-time champions are preparing to welcome back one of their most experienced veterans.

Chris Jack, the 67 test former All Black, will make his long awaited debut for his old team after spending two years with Guinness Premiership side Saracens, before then impressing many South Africans with a strong period with Currie Cup side Western Province.

Now back in New Zealand, and signed with the NZRU till the end of next year, Jack is looking at climbing his way back to the top of the ladder, but before he can even consider challenging for an All Blacks jersey, he will need to fight his way into the Crusaders starting second row.

The red and blacks field three All Blacks locks, and an emerging lineout forward in the ever improving Sam Whitelock.

Brad Thorn will likely be rested this week, with a slight chest injury. The veteran forward was likely to be “rotated” one way or another in the coming weeks, after continuing to shoulder a heavy workload so far this season after being the All Blacks ironman last season.

"Brad Thorn has a sore sternum and we will probably look to give him a breather for the next match and Chris Jack is fit and available and is likely to be on the bench," Blackadder said to the Press.

This means that if Blackadder and the Crusaders follow their usual policy, they will introduce Jack back via the bench in the second half for about 30 minutes.

It will be the first appearance this year for the lock that has played 89 times for the franchise, and it will be his first showing in Super rugby since playing in Pretoria against the Bulls in 2007.

Jack has been troubled with a problematic wrist, but has played for the Crusaders Development Team in recent weeks.

The Crusaders suffered no major injuries against the Chiefs, although Andy Ellis is still a concern after missing the match with concussion.

He might be chomping at the bit to get on the field, with his replacement Kahn Fotuali’i having a stand out game against the Waikato based franchise, outplaying All Black Brendan Leonard and scoring two tries.

Blackadder was wary about rushing his tenacious scrum half back into the team.

"We still have to go through the proper procedures and process with Andy before we can make any decision but if he is fit he will come into the mix," he said.

Their opponents this week, the Lions, are having a terrible time on tour, having lost to the Waratahs 73-12.

Expectation that the Crusaders will do the same is high, but Blackadder is wary, with the side already having learnt the hard way – via the Reds – what can happen if they do not turn up prepared for a tough match.

"That's the thing isn't it? It's more about us keeping our feet on the ground this week. Complacency is exactly the thing we don't need."

The Crusaders have won nine from 12 against the Lions, but were embarrassed by them in 2007, when they shut down the then reigning champions in Johannesburg beating them 9-3.

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